How Long Does Drywall Mud Take to Dry?

In order to be moldable and spreadable, drywall mud contains a large amount of moisture when it is applied.  As the mud dries, it becomes the solid and sturdy substance that makes our walls and ceilings smooth.  Therefore, it is very important that drywall mud be given plenty of time to dry thoroughly before it is painted or textured.  So how long must drywall mud be allowed to dry?

Because temperature and humidity have a huge effect on how quickly drywall mud dries, it is difficult to give one length of time that will apply in all situations.  Most drywall mud will be dry and ready to sand and paint within 24 hours.  This time can be as short as 12 hours in the right conditions.  While we never recommend rushing a job, there are several factors that go into the drying time for drywall mud that an installer can influence.

The thickness of the drywall mud has the largest impact on the amount of time it takes to dry.  Not only is using several thin layers of mud the best practice to prevent cracking, it also helps the mud dry faster!  The first coat should always be the thickest and will therefore take the longest to dry.  Subsequent coats can be much thinner and will therefore dry considerably faster.

Temperature and humidity also affect the time it takes for drywall mud to dry.  To decrease the drying time, increase the temperature in the room with space heaters.  The ideal temperature for drywall work is between 18 and 27 degrees - too much heat can cause other issues, so do not overheat the room.  For small patches, a hair dryer can be used to heat a section of mud.  Opening windows or using fans to circulate air will reduce the humidity in a room, further reducing the time mud takes to dry.  A dehumidifier can also help pull the moisture out of the mud.  Just remember to keep an eye on any appliances used to avoid fire risks and overflowing water pans!

If you absolutely cannot wait a full 12 to 24 hours for your drywall mud to dry, there are specialty compounds available that dry much faster.  Hot mud works much like plaster of paris and can dry in as little as 20 minutes.  Because of this quick drying time, however, it is only recommended for small projects.  The quick drying time also leaves little room for error, so this type of mud is generally best left to professionals.

A fully dried application of drywall mud will do its job for many years.  Whenever possible, allow mud to dry naturally for a full 24 hours before applying subsequent coats or sanding and painting.  While you may save time in the short run by rushing the drying process, mud that does not dry properly can cause difficult to fix problems both now and in the long run!

Still have questions? Drywallers Kitchener Inc. is here to help with all your drywall needs!